Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything in the Grifeen Valley Park area this evening to contact Lucan Garda Station on 01- 666-7300, the Garda Confidential Telephone line on 1800-666-111, or any Garda Station.

In a statement, the Tánaiste and Dublin Mid-West TD Frances Fitzgerald condemned the "brutal attack", which she described as "another reminder of the callous disregard for human life displayed by people intent on murder and mayhem".

She adds: "An Garda Siochana will continue to take every possible measure to counteract activity of this kind and will have the continued support of the Government and the community in doing so.

"Every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators of this dreadful shooting to justice and we will face down those who mistakingly think they can get away with these evil acts."